Erna Miller Ford

Erna Miller Ford, age 100, died peacefully on January 3, 2025 at her home. Erna was born on March 9, 1924 in Medicine Lake, Montana. She was one of four daughters of Danish immigrant parents Nels Miller and Paula Jensen Miller. In 1942 Erna graduated as the valedictorian of Medicine Lake High School and earned a scholarship to Montana State University. However, her plans shifted when WWII started and she and her sister, Margaret, ventured west to Bremerton to work in the Naval shipyard. Always orderly and careful, Erna excelled as a Rosie the Riveter measuring ammunition powder and later became the secretary to the Commander. She loved to dance and she saved her war coupons to buy new dancing shoes. Onboard the ferry, Kalakala, after one of those dancing evenings, Erna met a handsome young sailor, Tom "Hank" Ford. He walked her home and they claim it was love at first sight. They married in July, 1945 and their union lasted 69 years until Tom's death in 2014.

They created a home in northeast Seattle and both Erna and Tom, though not born in Seattle, grew to love the Pacific Northwest, calling it God's country. They owned a cabin on Whidbey Island and enjoyed trips to Hood Canal to go clamming and gather oysters. She loved to cook and we were always grateful for her fresh Crab Louies and delicious homemade clam chowder. In the summer they would always harvest a garden of tomatoes and cucumbers and Erna was famous for her tasty homemade Dill Pickles.

After staying home during the 1950s to care for her daughters and her home, Erna began to work in the Accounting office at Pacific Northwest Bell and enjoyed the stimulation and many friendships offered by working outside of the home. After Erna's retirement in 1981, she and Tom became snowbirds, traveling to Yuma, Arizona each winter for 30 years to enjoy the sun and new friends Erna and Tom were prolific travelers. Erna enjoyed planning for their Princess Cruise trips which took them all over the world. A highlight for the entire family was their 60th Wedding Anniversary cruise in 2005 to Alaska with their daughters and husbands and their six adult grandkids.

Erna and Tom enjoyed the Ida Culver Broadview Retirement Community after they sold their View Ridge home. Erna had fun writing a column in the Ida Culver Newspaper called Erna's Joke Corner. Many thanks to the Ida Culver Community and also to the Homewell Senior Care team for the extraordinary care they gave to our Mother during her last months.

Erna is survived by her two daughters, Sandi Detwiler (husband Rick) and Nancy Anderson (husband Bill). She was a beloved Mimi to her six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

At her request a private family gathering will be held at a later date.